15 French Fashion-inspired Winter Outfits

The French never fail to look chic, but the season they really excel at is winter. While most of us struggle with bulky knits and cold weather accessories, in Paris, you’ll see beautifully tailored winter coats worn with oversized scarves perfectly wrapped around the neck. The key is in the layers — and pairing the right ones. 

After nearly a decade of living in France, I’ve adopted a trick or two from the Parisian playbook when it comes to styling. Since I’m from Miami, winter wear was never part of my wardrobe, so I’ve invested in staple pieces that I weave in with a few new additions each year, continually updating my closet — without depleting my holiday budget.

With a nod to some of the trends gracing the runway, I’ve pulled together 15 pieces inspired by French fashion that I’m lusting after this season. These winter outfits will have you ready for the ultimate cold-weather getaway, whether you’re planning that long-awaited trip to Paris or want a sleek après-ski ensemble for the slopes. From stylish snow boots to the perfect little black dress for New Year’s Eve, here are the winter clothes to add to your cart for a Paris-inspired look, from just $35.  

Mango Mariam Long-sleeve Maxi Sweater Dress

A sweater dress is perhaps my favorite piece of winter wear since I can sport it on a nearly daily basis and dress it up or down, depending on the occasion. During the day, I’d wear this dropped shoulder knit dress with tights and lug-sole loafers, while at night I’d pair it with knee-high cognac leather boots and an oversized jet-black coat. For a work meeting, a long, structured blazer dresses up the casual piece, especially with a pair of block-heeled pumps.

Ebossy Double-breasted Trench-style Overcoat

My favorite trend to come out of fall and winter this year is burgundy becoming the “new neutral,” as Vogue called it. I’ve long been a fan of the deep red wine-hued shade, which is a welcome departure from stark black and charcoal, which can be dreary in the height of winter. Burgundy offers just enough pop without being too in-your-face. 

The easiest way to incorporate the shade into your winter wardrobe? As a sleek, calf-length trench-style overcoat. Drape it over an ensemble of winter white or embrace your inner Parisienne with an all-black sweater and leather legging combo. “This coat is a great investment — it has a good weight to it [and] nice lining, with a high-end look and feel to the material,” raved one shopper. “It’s great, and the price can’t be beat for this quality and style.”

Paige Cropped Coated Straight-leg Jeans

Parisians often prefer an alternative to denim in winter, instead sporting corduroy, wool, and leather. Leather pants can be super pricey and hard to find the right fit, especially if you’re short like me. Instead, these coated, cropped straight-leg jeans in a warm chocolate shade have the look of leather but are as comfortable and flattering as your favorite pair of denim. Embrace the seasonal shade with an all-chestnut ensemble or pair with a chunky cream sweater or black bodysuit (yes, black and brown can be worn together!) with a cardigan or blazer layered on top. 

La Ligne Velvet Wide-leg Pants

The easiest way to dress up a look is with a sumptuous texture like velvet. These wide-leg pants from La Ligne in deep forest green are my version of holiday attire. Elegant but as comfortable as loungewear, the flowing legs drape beautifully over kitten heels or ankle boots, and the elastic waistband allows you to tuck in even the chunkiest of sweaters. For Christmas parties, I’d pair these with a metallic knit top and oversized boyfriend blazer with large, gold button-like stud earrings to create a statement-making pop.

Perfect Moment Turtleneck Sweater

I recently visited the tiny Swiss ski village of Saas-Fee, near Zermatt, and one of the women in my group wore this Perfect Moment turtleneck under a ski salopette. I fully support an après-ski look whether you’re on or off the slopes, and there couldn’t have been a chicer ensemble than this to stroll through the snow-covered storybook town. I’m already picturing this turtleneck with white denim and ankle boots in Paris (the soft Merino wool will definitely keep me warm as I’m running around town) and with cashmere pants and slippers while lounging in slopeside chalets in the French Alps this winter.

Ahluwalia Cutout Draped Bead-embellished Mini Dress

New Year’s Eve festivities in Paris aren’t quite as sequin-filled as you’d see in the States. But that doesn’t mean you have to play it too safe. A little black dress is always stylish; give it some flair with the slightest bit of beading and cutouts that show off skin without being too revealing. This mini dress from London-based designer Priya Ahluwalia is elegant yet playful — her Indian-Nigerian background subtly shines through thanks to colorful beads dangling from the cutout side. I’m envisioning it at a New Year’s Eve party with shimmery tights, black patent leather pumps, and dangling gold statement earrings — the perfect outfit to toast to the start of 2025. 

Madewell Straight-hem Button-up Suede Shirt

Don’t get sticker shock. I know it seems like a lot to spend nearly $400 on a shirt, but the French are all about investment pieces, and this one is sure to last at least a decade if you’re as careful with your clothing as I am. A suede button-up top can easily double as a light jacket in the spring or fall and has this timeless ‘70s quality to it that always looks cool and put together, even with an outfit as simple as a white T-shirt and wide-leg dark denim jeans. 

Hitting just at or below the hip, this top is as effortlessly chic as it gets, and it can even be buttoned and tucked into a midi leather skirt or flowy palazzo pants. To complete the French look, all you need is a patterned scarf and you’ll instantly look the part.

Jewel Badgley Mischka Stacy Ankle Strap Pump

Parisians aren’t known to wear anything that glitters (even jewelry is kept to a minimum). But one way to add shine to a holiday ensemble is with festive footwear like these gold ankle strap pumps. The square toe gives them a retro feel while the cushioned footbed and adjustable ankle strap ensure your feet will be comfortable and securely kept in place as you hop from one holiday party to the next. The 1 1/4-inch heel offers just enough height to keep longer pants from grazing the ground, and you won’t be struggling to stand all night at a cocktail party.   

Falke Ribbed Wool-blend Turtleneck Sweater

My friends always joke that I’m the queen of outlet shopping (and boy, can I navigate those shops!), but you can snag sales just as good online — if you know where to look. The Outnet’s designer deals are almost too good to be true, especially when it comes to winter wear. One of my favorite staples of the season is a turtleneck sweater, and I’m adding this ribbed, thick wool-blend version from Falke to my Christmas list this year. The chunky turtleneck and short sleeves provide structure so the sweater looks sophisticated, yet it’s still super cozy; it’ll elevate everything from cashmere leggings to wide-leg leather pants.

The Sak Los Feliz Crossbody Bag

A tote is practically an essential in Paris, and while you’ll often see me sporting a canvas version alongside a leather purse, why not combine the two and don a suede version like this one from The Sak? The zippered top helps prevent pickpockets, and the back zipper pocket is a great spot for storing valuables like a wallet or phone. The spacious interior also has two compartments and a zipper pocket, so it’s easy to keep everything organized so you don’t have to go digging to find your keys or hotel room card. The slouchy shape and adjustable strap also mean you can tailor it to fit your frame, falling crossbody or along your side.

Everlane The Tank in Lurex Merino

A tank? In winter? Mais, oui! I’m all about layering in the cold, especially when the heat blasting in restaurants and bars in Paris can feel as warm as a sauna. This all-seasons layer is practically made for France, when the weather shifts throughout the day, going from snowing in the morning to the high 50s the following night. 

Crafted from Merino wool, the ribbed, form-fitting tank is flattering and soft, with the slightest bit of metallic lurex to give the rose gold shade some shine. Tuck it into a pair of high-waisted dark denim with stacked-heel booties and a long overcoat, and you’re ready for everything from a day of Christmas markets and shopping to dinner and drinks.

Moon Boot Insulated Slip-on Snow Boots

When I was in St. Moritz last season for the annual White Turf horse race on the Swiss ski resort’s namesake frozen lake, I noticed everyone was wearing a variation of the astronaut-inspired, padded Moon Boot. Water-repellent material with non-slip rubber soles makes these insulated snow boots practical enough to wear while strolling through a snowy ski town, yet they look stylish with practically everything (which usually isn’t the case for most lace-up snow shoes). Wear with leggings or tapered ski pants to après-ski, or don a pair with leather pants and a cream cable knit sweater for dinner by the slopes.

Madewell Leather Midi Skirt

A buttery lambskin leather midi skirt similar to this style has been my evening go-to in Paris this winter, since it looks more dressed up than pants yet is comfortable and easy to pair with a sweater or dressier silk top. What I love about this version from Madewell is the sexy slit up the front instead of on the side, which gives it some edge. Make it playful with snakeskin-patterned knee-high boots and sheer black tights, or dress it up with patent slingback kitten heels (silver for the holidays is always fun!) and an over-the-top shearling or faux fur coat — you’ll be ready for all of the festivities this season. 

J.Crew Bordeaux Bag in Tortoise Print Leather

If you’re looking for a scene-stealing bag to sport this season, this pencil purse from J.Crew is it. Embracing the ‘90s vibes that have made a major comeback, this rounded leather shoulder bag with its subtle, tortoise-print leather and decorative gold bauble (which doubles as a way to adjust the strap) is perfect for holiday parties and dressier outings like Christmas concerts and ballets. “Such a fun bag and trendy style — looks way more expensive than it was,” said one shopper. And I agree — it’s reminiscent of the iconic Louis Vuitton rounded Sac Papillon but is a mere fraction of the price.

Arctix Insulated Snow Pants

Winter outerwear can get pricey, and for good reason — you want the proper insulation and high-tech materials to keep you warm and dry when you’re spending a full day on the slopes. Finding a solid pair of ski pants that are stylish, functional, and within my freelance travel writer budget is no easy task — but when I saw these Arctix pants at Amazon, which have more than 38,000 five-star ratings, I was instantly curious. 

The ThermaTech insulation ensures warmth and comfort, while the ThermaLock coating keeps your body temperature cool. Not only are they great in terms of performance, but the slimmer cut is stylish, too. “Quality is comparable to much more expensive brands,” said one shopper who purchased a pair to replace insulated shell pants from The North Face. “Buy these if you want to be warm and also look cute.”

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.